What to See in Bangalore
Explore 26 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Bangalore, India. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Vidhana Soudha
The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951-1956. The then Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13 July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of ₹ 18.4 million.…
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Marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bengaluru but in India. One of the interesting feature of this building in grand stairs in its front. The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc.; At the same time, the construction has been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement concrete glass, plastic, etc. It is not possible to visit the grounds or enter the building.
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Shiva Temple
Official websiteThis temple has a massive monolith of Lord Shiva, located in the middle of an artificial pool. There is a cave-like walkthrough behind the statue. It is extremely crowded on the festival of Maha Shivaratri.…
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One can't see or feel any kind of Bhakti in this temple, because at each move inside the temple there will be a person located for collection of money which creates such a disturbance for the concentration on Bhakti. On each step the devotees will be concentrating on the money boxes (Hundi in kannada)/people standing to ask money as offerings. After coming out, one feels as if one has come out of a commercial Shiva temple. So sad to say this.
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St. Mary's Basilica
It is the oldest church in Bangalore and is the only church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. It is famous for the festivities held during the St.…
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Mary's Feast in the month of September each year, an event that attracts a number of devotees from in and around Bangalore.The basilica has been built in Gothic-style with arches, ornamental motifs and stained glass windows. Multiple columns and tall spires of the basilica can be seen from quite a distance. The stained glass windows were removed during World War II and were subsequently restored in 1947.
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Sri Ramakrishna Ashram
There are many Ramakrishna Ashrams in Bengaluru, but the special and central one is in Gandhi Bazaar - the place of temples in Bengaluru. This mutt contains a vast meditating hall, a beautiful park, a vedic school and many more facilities. Sri Sharada Devi had meditated on a location in the park in this boundary. This location is preserved as a monument.…
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A stone on which Swami Vivekananda had sat when he visited Bengaluru is also kept as a monument. This is a calm and peaceful place for the people who enjoy the meditation.
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DakshinaMukhy Nandeeshwara Temple
A very ancient temple. This is on Sampige Road in the Malleshwaram area. The speciality of the temple is that, the natural (mineral) water flows from the mouth of Nandi (naturally) which is above a ShivaLingam, and pours all over the year as Abhishekam by nature itself. This water, after Abhishekam is taken by devotees as medicinal water, believed to cure many diseases.…
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People from all over the world take this water in small containers with a lot of trust and devotion.
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Bull Temple
Located in Basavanagudi, it is a typical Dravidian style temple, and is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area.…
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Since then, local farmers have held an annual festival to express their gratitude.
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ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple
Official websiteTemple built on a hillock in Rajajinagar atop scenic surroundings, is a perfect blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. The huge cultural complex was built to promote vedic culture and spiritual learning, and abounds with shops selling devotional items and souvenirs.…
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The annual Krishna and Balarama Rath Yatra is attended by thousands.
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Ragi Gudda
Is a famous Hanuman temple abode. The temple is situated on a mammoth rocky hill, and has very attractive chain of temples like Spathika Shiva, Ganesha and scenery within the premises. This is a very crowd attracting place during the period of Hanumad Jayanthi in December.…
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You get mahaprasadam meals on Saturday between 12 noon-1PM.
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Seshadari Iyer Memorial
is a distinctive building constructed of red sand stone. It houses the State Central Library (right south of Cubbon Park) and the Bengaluru High Court of Karnataka, (Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, north of Ribbon Park), while the grounds include a children's recreation area with a toy train, fairground and theat…
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Holy Trinity Church
This church is a major landmark in Bangalore. It was built in 1851, for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore. Built in the English Renaissance style, the church can accommodate 700 people and is regarded as the largest "military" church in southern India. It has a congregation of over 450 families.
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Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple
A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi (RajaRajeshwari). It was built by a renowned spiritual guru, Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Mahaswaigal. Built in the ancient style with stones, the temple is very spacious. One can feel the peace and satisfaction when visited. Week ends are very crowded.
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Maha Bodhi Society Temple
A relatively new structure, with the main shrine built as a replica of the historic stupa at Bodh Gaya. The temple grounds are very peaceful, and visitors are welcome to stroll around. In addition, the temple houses an excellent library of books on Buddhism, many of which are in English.
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Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple
Built by Kempe Gowda, this temple with four remarkable monolithic pillars is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a rare idol of Agni god of fire. The annual festival is on Makara Shankranti and thousands of devotees flock to see the suns rays fall on the Shivlinga.
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Vikasa Soudha
It possible to gild a lily? Well you judge for yourself. This ultra modern construction, adjacent to majestic Vidhana Soudha built in the same classic style, is supposed to come fitted with the latest gizmos to help govern the state. It was inaugurated sometime in February 2005.
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Mukti Naga temple
Official websiteIn Bengaluru is world's largest monolithic statue of Lord Naaga, about 16 feet tall and 36 tons of weight. The Mukti Naga temple which is run by Shri Subrahmanya Seva Trust, is situated in a serene ambience of Ramohalli, a village on the outskirts of Bengaluru city.
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Maruthi Mandir
A Hanuman Temple is located just opposite - 5 min drive from ISKCON temple, in the gate of Mahalakshmi Layout. This is a rock hill with huge idols of Hanuman and Mahalakshmi temples. The annual festival of Hanumad Jayanthi during December is very attractive.
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Bengaluru Palace
was constructed by the Maharajahs of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction, but is now open to the public. This is a run down building with paint peeling on the interior and generally a tourist trap to be avoided.
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Meenakshi Sundaram Temple
Beautiful, spacious temple devoted to Sri Meenakshi Amma. Built in ancient style with stone structures, this place is very cool and mind refreshing place to see. You will feel that you are in a temple at Tamilnad, when in this temple.
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Tipu Sultan's Palace
which dates from about 1790, is the summer retreat for Tipu Sultan. The two story structure is made mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches. It contains a small museum with information on Tipu Sultan.
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Art of Living Temple
Official websiteThe Bangalore Ashram is the international headquarters of the Art of Living foundation. The ashram is spread of 65 acres and was established in 1986. They conduct frequent yoga and Ayurveda programs.
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Banaswadi Hanuman Temple
Constructed in the Dravidian style, attracts a large number of devotees especially on week-ends. It has smaller temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Shiva and Ganapathi within the walled compound.
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VenkataramanaSwamy Temple
A fine example of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple was built by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar and is situated next to the summer palace of Tipu Sultan.
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Bangalore / Tippu's Fort
Was constructed 1537 and a small part with massive granite walls, big gates, a dungeon, and a small Ganesha temple is still intact.
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Vasanthapura
A small hillock with an ancient temple dedicated to Sri Vasantha Vallabharaya Swamy.
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Dodda Ganapathi
One of the oldest temples in Bengaluru, is situated adjacent to the Bull Temple.
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Shelter House Church
The service is conducted in English and starts from 9:30AM in the morning.
Exploring Bangalore: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Bangalore is one of India's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 26 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Bangalore, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Bangalore Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Bangalore is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Bangalore are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Vidhana Soudha and Shiva Temple, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Bangalore, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Bangalore rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Bangalore
Before you visit major paid attractions in Bangalore, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Bangalore's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Bangalore as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Bangalore together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Bangalore with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Bangalore is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Bangalore's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Bangalore find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Bangalore, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Bangalore use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Bangalore Worth Seeing
Bangalore offers 26 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Vidhana Soudha, Shiva Temple, St. Mary's Basilica are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. India's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Bangalore's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Bangalore, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other India cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Bangalore?
Bangalore has 26 notable sights including Vidhana Soudha, Shiva Temple, St. Mary's Basilica. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Bangalore?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Bangalore to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Bangalore.
Are there free things to see in Bangalore?
Yes — many of Bangalore's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Bangalore's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Bangalore to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Bangalore with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Bangalore. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Bangalore with company.
Is Bangalore good for solo travelers?
Bangalore is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Bangalore so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Bangalore with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Bangalore, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
